Planning Commission Considers Guidelines for Cadaver Research Centers

Jefferson County Planning Commission reviewing site plan for new C.O.R.E. Golf Center on Cline Road in Dandridge - Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Jefferson County Planning Commission reviewing site plan for new C.O.R.E. Golf Center on Cline Road in Dandridge
– Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Jefferson County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals met on Tuesday evening in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting preceded the County Planning Commission and only one item was on the agenda. The Board Approved a request for a 15 foot variance for a home to be placed at Lakeside Drive by homeowners Emmitt and Dalas Bullman.

The Jefferson County Planning Commission followed and was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Reneau. The Chairman Rolled two items on the agenda to the next meeting. The Commission Approved a site plan review for the C.O.R.E. Golf Center to be located on Cline Road in Dandridge brought by Paul Moody. A driving center and golf learning center will be located on the site, as well as a variety of practice bunkers and a pro shop. Moody stated that he plans to keep the Golf Center affordable, family friendly and appropriate for all levels of play. Future expansion could include a nine hole par 3 course and an indoor teaching center. Moody said that he hopes to be hitting balls by August, weather permitting.

The Commission addressed a proposed zoning resolution that outlines guidelines for Cadaver Research Centers in the unincorporated portions of Jefferson County. A Sub Committee consisting of some representatives of the Planning Commission, the Cadaver Research Program and citizens, under advice of the contracted County Planner and the Jefferson County Zoning Director, developed guidelines to address boundaries for Cadaver Research Centers that might be located in the County. Issues addressed included number of bodies per square foot (1 per 2,000 square feet of inner area) and minimum numbers of acres (5). The Sub Committee brought recommendations for fencing (inner, middle and outer) and warning signage. Commission Members addressed the issue of view from other property or road side, should a Center be placed at an area that fencing would not obstruct the view. Options for blockage included a shrub wall in conjunction with fencing. Site Characteristics pertaining to slope, soil and absorption rates were a part of the resolution. The Commission added language that identified property lines when bound by a river, lake or stream and the wire encasement of bodies to prevent movement. Hay Bales will be stacked and maintained to prevent run off and debris from leaving the site and parking space will be included in the resolution.

The County Attorney advised the Commission to require that testing be the responsibility of the property owner and that results be reported to the Jefferson County Environmental Office. The Commission will also require a site plan that will be presented to the Planning Commission. Items of concern included the olfactory impact of the Cadaver Research Center. Upon a Motion from Commission Member Tucker and 2nd from Commission Member Scarlett the Commission approved returning the resolution to the Sub Committee for further review and refining of language. According to Zoning Director Seals, an Approved Resolution will be presented before the local municipalities and the County Commission for Approval.

Source: K. Depew, News Director